COVID-19 & Reopening 2021-2022-Communications
COVID-19 Positive Test Communications
- Weekly Briefing (11-20-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Weekly Briefing (11-14-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Weekly Briefing (11-7-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Weekly Briefing (10-31-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Weekly Briefing (10-24-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Weekly Briefing (10-15-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
- Briefing (9-30-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
- Briefing (9-27-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
- Briefing (9-16-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
- Briefing (9-14-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
- Briefing (9-7-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Weekly Briefing (11-20-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
First, my apologies, as it appears the COVID-19 weekly briefings for the past two weeks did not make it out to the community due to technical error. I have included them below to ensure you have that information as well.
Second, as the state has seen a recent uptick in COVID-19, so too have we seen more case activity within the schools. Consistent with data we've seen throughout the pandemic, most, but not all, cases appear to stem from transmission outside of the school context. Almost 50% of the cases below represent siblings within the same household.
Of course, this uptick reminds us that it still remains important for all families to perform daily screening and err on the side of caution should symptoms develop.
Weekly Briefing (11-20-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the case data is found below:
- 11/16/21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
- 11/16/21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
- 11/16/21 - Ellington Middle School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
- 11/16/21 - Center School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/16/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/17/21 - Center School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/17/21 - Center School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/15/21 - Crystal Lake School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/15/21 - Crystal Lake School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/16/21 - Crystal Lake School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/17/21 - Windermere School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/17/21 - Windermere School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Weekly Briefing (11-14-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the case data is found below:
- 11/10//21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/12//21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/9//21 - Ellington Public Schools - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/10/21 - Center School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/10/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/10/21 - Crystal Lake School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/10/21 - Crystal Lake School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/12/21 - Crystal Lake School - 5-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Weekly Briefing (11-7-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the case data is found below:
- 11/4/21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/1/21 - Ellington Middle School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/2/21 - Ellington Middle School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/4/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/4//21 - Ellington Public Schools - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/1/21 - Windermere School - 7-10 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
- 11/5/21 - Windermere School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine or Screen and Stay
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Weekly Briefing (10-31-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the case data is found below:
10/27/21 - Ellington High School - 0-5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for this individual.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Weekly Briefing (10-24-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the cases is found below:
10/15/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
10/15/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine - same family as above
10/15/21 - Ellington High School - less than 5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Weekly Briefing (10-15-2021) COVID-19 Positive Tests
Dear Ellington Family,
This is a weekly briefing on any positive COVID-19 cases within the Ellington Public Schools. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. A summary of the cases is found below:
10/8/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
10/14/21 - Ellington High School - less than 5 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
10/14/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
10/15/21 - Center School - 10-15 individuals placed on 10-day quarantine
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Briefing (9-30-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Dear Ellington Family,
Earlier this week, we learned of a case where a member of the Ellington High School community tested positive for COVID-19. The district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. We have no reason to believe that the case stemmed from in-school transmission. Less than five individuals were put on a 10 day quarantine.
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for this individual.
Additionally, please note a typo correction to my earlier email with the subject "Health Updates - September 30, 2021". Executive Order 14 extended the State's authority to require masks until February 15, 2022.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Briefing (9-27-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Dear Ellington Family,
Last week, we learned of two cases, unrelated, where a member of the Center School community tested positive for COVID-19. The district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. We have no reason to believe that the cases stemmed from in-school transmission. In each case a cohort (class) and some individuals were put on a 10 day quarantine.
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for this individual.
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Briefing (9-16-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Dear Ellington Family,
Yesterday, we learned of a case where a member of the Center School community tested positive for COVID-19. The district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. We have no reason to believe that the case stemmed from in-school transmission. Less than five individuals were placed on a 10 day quarantine.
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for this individual.
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Briefing (9-14-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Dear Ellington Family,
In the past several days, we learned of a few cases where members of our school community tested positive for COVID-19. In each case, the district followed our standard practices of contact tracing in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines.
Our tracing indicates that two cases were within the same family, with the other cases having no apparent connection between each other. We have no reason to believe at this point that any of the cases stemmed from in-school transmission. A summary of each case with numbers of individuals impacted is listed below.
- Crystal Lake School: 5-10 individuals put in a 10 day quarantine
- Crystal Lake School: 1-5 individuals put in a 10 day quarantine
- Crystal Lake School: 5-10 individuals put in a 10 day quarantine
- Windermere: 5-10 individuals put in a 10 day quarantine
- Ellington High School: 1-5 individuals put in a 10 day quarantine
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted or will contract the COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Briefing (9-7-2021) COVID-19 Positive Test
Dear Ellington Family,
As with last year, the Ellington Public Schools will continue to be open and transparent about COVID-19 cases that impact our school communities. Each case has its own set of circumstances to which our schools respond. We continue to apply the guidance from the State Department of Education & State Department of Public Health, and advice from our local health department to ensure the safety of students, staff, and their families.
Today, we learned a member of the Windermere Elementary community that tested positive for COVID-19. In this case, we followed our standard practices of contact tracing and 5 to 10 individuals were required to quarantine.
Additionally, we were notified that a member of the Ellington High School community tested positive. In this case, after completing all contact tracing protocols, no individuals were required to quarantine.
Please remember, quarantining as a result of close contact with a case is not an indication that an individual has contracted nor will they contract COVID-19; it is a conservative way to break further transmission.
Like last year, we encourage all families to conduct a daily health screening with your children and to be cautious deciding whether or not to send your children to school if symptoms develop.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on a quick recovery for these individuals.
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
Reopening Communications
- September 30, 2021 - Health Updates
- August 20, 2021 - Health Planning 21-22 - Update
- August 09, 2021 - Health Planning 21-22
September 30, 2021 - Health Updates
Dear Ellington Family,
Throughout the last year, the Ellington Public Schools has been working to provide all families with information and options to help keep members of the Ellington family and our schools safe.
Testing-both for symptomatic individuals ("diagnostic") and for those without symptoms ("screening")-is an important part of preventing spread of COVID-19.
Below please find a couple of updates regarding ongoing district efforts. We appreciate your ongoing support.
Extension of Executive Order 13A
The Governor issued Executive Order 14 which extended the authority of the State to require masks in schools until February 15, 2021. The Ellington Public Schools will continue to abide by this order.
K-6 Free Screening Testing
In collaboration with the Connecticut State Departments of Public Health and Education, our district is participating in a unique no-cost, voluntary COVID screening program entitled Project COVID DeteCT for unvaccinated students in Grades K-6. This program is funded through a federal grant to provide weekly screening and will not cost the district or family any money, nor will the family's health insurance be charged for the screening services.
Details can be found in the letter attached. Signed consent forms (within the document) will be collected by the main offices of each school. If you are interested, please have your form into the school by October 8th. Full details of the program, including timing, will be communicated to those interested.
Diagnostic Testing Update - Symptomatic Individuals
The Connecticut State Departments of Public Health and Education have recently updated guidance regarding which tests can be accepted when students or staff have symptoms of COVID-19.
Erring on the side of caution when individuals are symptomatic prevents potential clusters of cases and unnecessary, extra quarantining of individuals.
Testing is required when a student or staff member has one or more of the following symptoms:
- feeling feverish,
- measured temperature of 100.4 F or more,
- chills,
- cough,
- shortness of breath,
- difficulty breathing,
- loss of taste or smell.
Testing is also required when students or staff have two or more of these additional symptoms:
- fatigue,
- muscle or body aches,
- headache,
- sore throat,
- congestion or runny nose,
- nausea or vomiting,
- diarrhea.
Per the guidance and CDC recommendations, symptomatic individuals must present a negative molecular or PCR test to return to school. Antigen tests, often the rapid option, are not allowed.
Although PCR tests typically take 24-48 hours to result, the State has recently communicated one rapid molecular option allowable under the guidelines. This is the Abbott ID Now test. This can be run as a standalone COVID test, or in combination with flu, RSV, and Strep diagnostics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
August 20, 2021 - Health Planning 21-22 - Update
Hello Ellington Family,
Since our email last week briefly outlining some of the numerous mitigation measures the Ellington Public Schools are utilizing to keep schools safe for the 2021-2022 school year, we continue to receive additional information from the State.
This week emphasized the importance of our Seeds of Civility. We have listened, observed, and valued the feedback from many in the community on a range of topics. What we have found at the core of everyone’s truth is that all members of our Ellington Family want what is best for the children of Ellington: even if we differ on the way to get there. As we move forward, we will continue to utilize these seeds of fundamental respect for all members of the Ellington Family for the betterment of our children.
“Yesterday, August 19th, we received updated guidance from the State Department of Education further solidifying our reopening plan for the 2021 - 2022 school year. As always, our mitigation plans continue to align with the Department of Public Health as supported by our local health district. We look forward to another safe and successful school year.” - Dr. Scott Nicol, Superintendent
Heading into the weekend, here are additional updates regarding reopening:
Masking
First, a clarification - The last email on Health Planning from August 9th included a sentence that stated at the June board meeting the Board of Education declared an intention for masks to be optional for the upcoming school year. This was not the case and was unintentionally misleading. The June meeting occurred prior to plan submission.
On June 23rd, when the plan was published by administration, the pandemic was at a different place than we find ourselves today. Based on many conversations with the community and the context of broader reopening of our society at the time, our hope was that masks could be optional. Yet, as we often learn with COVID-19, things change quickly.
The Ellington Public Schools’ plan on June 23rd stated, “Should public health conditions change and universal masking is required by state or appropriate agencies, EPS will respond accordingly.” And we have.
Based on the information received since that date—published CDC guidance, revised state guidelines and requirements, and case rate information—and as communicated on August 9th, the district is moving forward to start the school year with all students and staff required to wear masks. The current order runs through September 30, 2021 and we will continue to keep all stakeholders informed moving forward.
Revised EPS Reopening Plan
Below please find our revised Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.
Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan - Version 1.1 - August 20, 2021
Fall Reopening Updates from CSDE
The state’s revised guidance Fall 2021 Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together was released yesterday, August 19th. This plan is developed by the State Department of Public Health and State Department of Education and is built upon Center for Disease Control guidance. Our reopening plan is based on the guidance from the state.
Vaccination Requirements
The Ellington Public Schools received word yesterday of Governor Lamont’s pending order that all PK-12 staff receive at least the first dose of a vaccine by September 27th. Vaccines are an important mitigation strategy against COVID-19, recommended by the Center for Disease Control and further endorsed by state and local health agencies. As more details become available, we will update staff and the broader community.
Thanks for your ongoing support. Enjoy the weekend!
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations
August 09, 2021 - Health Planning 21-22
Hello Ellington Family,
The Ellington Public Schools are in the final stages of preparation for the start of the 21-22 school year. Floors are being waxed, new paint is being applied, teachers are arranging their furniture and decorating their classrooms; in many ways we seek to welcome our students back to a “normal” reopening. However, we also know that we are still operating in a different time where health and safety are uniquely front-of-mind.
As we prepare ourselves, the State Department of Education and the Department of Public Health issued an initial set of interim guidance regarding mitigation strategies. Overall, this guidance reflects positive developments in the response to COVID-19 and the acknowledgement that last year schools were safe places overall for students and staff.
EPS had a successful 20-21 school year through the collective effort of our teachers, staff, students and families. As we start the 21-22 school year, a similar effort is still required to ensure continued success.
“The Ellington Public Schools is a learning institution and our collaborative efforts will continue to ensure an outstanding 21-22 school year for those we serve. I professionally hope that future communications and decisions from our Governor—e specially in light of recent misleading mask messaging—will be increasingly transparent and timely. The Ellington Public Schools recognize the value of a partnership with the State and will continue to collectively work toward that end, to the extent reciprocated, for the betterment of all Connecticut’s and Ellington's citizens.” - Dr. Scott Nicol, Superintendent of Schools
A quick summary of the updated guidance / requirements and its application within our schools can be found below. Further details, including changes to school-based operational plans, will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Points of Emphasis
Vaccination
Vaccines are reported as a mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage all families to consult with their medical providers to discuss whether or not this is right for their children.
Ventilation
The state is continuing with its current guidance. EPS will continue to do regular maintenance on and improve its ventilation systems as it has throughout the last year.
Sanitization
Transmission from surfaces is not a primary concern with COVID-19 and as such the state has recommended dialing back on cleaning procedures, which will be adopted by EPS.
With any respiratory disease, handwashing is an important mitigation strategy. We will continue to emphasize this with students and staff and will continue to provide hand sanitizing stations throughout our schools.
Screening Testing
The state is offering a voluntary screening testing program to run for K-6 students. If the program runs, testing will occur at a central location in town. Details of this program will be reported if/when they are finalized.
Contact Tracing & Quarantine
Updated guidance from the CDC provides more flexibility when it comes to cohorting and physical distancing within school settings.
Definitions of student contacts were reduced in proximity from 6 feet to 3 feet. An exemption specific only to vaccinated individuals and students who are both wearing masks would limit their need to be quarantined.
Students who are required to be quarantined will be provided a multi-faceted educational program with guidelines to be determined.
Masking
At the Ellington Board of Education’s June meeting, the Board, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, declared its intention for masks to be optional for the 21-22 school year, whereas future guidance by relevant state agencies would be considered.
On July 19, 2021, the State, within the emergency powers granted to the Governor from the State Legislature, extended mask requirements for schools when inside through September 30, 2021.
The State Department of Education and Department of Public Health indicated that further guidance regarding masking will be forthcoming.
As directed by Superintendent Nicol, absent new developments—which are anticipated—the Ellington Public Schools will follow the mandate, at least through September 30, 2021.
Please look for additional communications in the following weeks. We look forward to seeing all of the Ellington Family on September 2nd!
Best,
Brian Greenleaf
Director of Finance and Operations